Should they lose to Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos can kiss their chances of qualifying goodbye. This is a must-win fixture for both parties, as Bayer Leverkusen are also hanging in the Top 24 by a thread, although winning will almost guarantee them a spot in the next phase.
Olympiacos may be in for the worst week of football a fan could imagine. The Legend got eliminated from the Greek Cup, and they may suffer the same fate in the Champions League after facing one of the Bundesliga’s finest.
The Champions League draw was not kind to them this season, as Olympiacos had to face Barcelona, Arsenal, and Real Madrid in the previous rounds. At least, they got their first win in the previous round and retained their chance for a late resurgence.
Bayer Leverkusen are in a slightly better position, but still far from the preliminary expectations regarding their performance. Having suffered a humiliating 7-2 defeat at the hands of the champions, PSG, Die Werkself are undefeated in the last three rounds (W2, D1).
However, their current form is worrying, as Leverkusen lost both fixtures they had since the start of the year. Kasper Hjulmand and his squad have a lot to prove still, but have every right to feel confident after producing their best UCL performances on the road this season.
How the bookies view it: As close as it gets
Playing in Greece has never been easy and bookmakers reflected that in the odds. In fact, both teams are almost equally priced, with Olympiacos available at 3/2 and Bayer Leverkusen at 8/5. Meanwhile, the draw is available at 27/10.
Recent head-to-head: Olympiacos made history against Leverkusen
Here’s a fun fact: Olympiacos’ biggest Champions League win in their history happened when they beat Bayer Leverkusen 6-2 in 2002, just months after the German side reached the final of the previous edition.
The teams were part of the same group that season, and Die Werkself won the reverse fixture 2-0. These two games were both the first and last between the two teams.
Olympiacos have met a bunch of German sides since then, losing 12 of the 13 fixtures (D1).
Players to watch: Grimaldo was born to be a striker
Every team needs a defender like Alejandro Grimaldo, and he is our primary pick from the German side. The Spaniard is somehow Leverkusen’s top goalscorer this season with 10 goals across all competitions.
At the same time, he has the most assists at six, and all that happened in 22 appearances. Additionally, he scored in his last two Champions League appearances.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups
Olympiacos: Tzolakis, Ortega, Biancone, Retsos, Rodinei, Mouzakitis, Garcia, Podence, Chiquinho, Martins, Taremi
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken, Quansah, Bade, Belocian, Grimaldo, Garcia, Maza, Tella, Poku, Tillman, Schick
Anything else catch the eye?
Olympiacos have become known for their strong defensive play this season, but this is the Champions League, and we expect more action. Moreover, this is a crucial fixture for both sides.
Bayer Leverkusen have had their fair share of struggles in front of the goal lately, but this is not a team you can ever underestimate. They still average 2.0 goals scored per match in the Bundesliga.
Olympiacos had a difficult time against all teams from the Top 5 leagues they met, conceding 2+ goals in all three fixtures. They have long struggled in the Champions League and will likely secure their elimination ticket on Tuesday.
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